Hardgoods 24/25

[Supra]

JJ borrowing the Mantaray to copy it isn't an old wives tale. I heard the story from someone in the industry and then had it confirmed by one of the actual participants in the incident.

[Supra]

That said, there are things specific to broader Japanese society and culture like a reverence for hand crafted objects, respect for age and experience, spending one’s life micro-improving tasks and movements, a spiritual relationship to nature and enjoying the beauty of simple things done well that have shaped how snowboarding has developed there.

Don't forget that everyone also does martial arts, grows a bonsai tree and never litters!
Snowsurfing in Japan has always been a niche with its cult followers. It's incorrect to assume that snowsurfing influenced the Japanese scene or market until recently. It's become trendy, thanks to Korua and others and the increase in snow tourism, but there are a million more ground trick brands here, as well as regular freestyle board companies. Nowadays, there is a bit of influence, but that's more from foreign brands making it cool to have a funky shaped pow board in the line.

[Kevington]

Don't forget that everyone also does martial arts, grows a bonsai tree and never litters!

Ha yeah, it sounds like my idea of Japan is that everyone on a snowboard is like that Orange Man dude. It's news to me though that it's only become popular since it's been picked up outside of Japan. Every day is a school day I guess.

[iliveatblkdmnd]

Has anyone ridden the Burton Hometown Hero? Curious for thoughts from y’all

[coleslawed]

it's nice.

demoed a 56 I think first year they were out, def too small, but still fun.
have a 65w now, and that's a boat, but the profiling between the feet still lets it maintain easy handling. feels like you're on an airwing whenever you catch air.

reallllly wish it came in a standard width 162 or so, Cartographer may be able to fill that hole, though.

[ad1105]

Didn’t like it. I felt squirrely on the 160 and thought it was torsionally too soft. I generally prefer stiffer surf/carve-type shapes nowadays, so I’m not the right guy to answer. I know a handful of people who all love their HTH because they “can ride it anywhere.” Maybe, but there are better things out there for me.

[iliveatblkdmnd]

Thanks both. Cross shopping that and the Season Eqpt Aero — have either of you ridden that?

[AyAyRon]

Has anyone ridden the Burton Hometown Hero? Curious for thoughts from y’all

Love it. stiff tip and tail, softer in the middle (esp torsionally). Genius board design really, carves trenches, doesn't buck you on weird landings. I have the 160W and will probably get the 165W for deeper days.

[Spenser]

m

[bboytommy]

Has anyone ridden the Burton Hometown Hero? Curious for thoughts from y’all

Had the OG for a few seasons. Rode it everywhere from Jackson to Niseko to Baldface. Really didn't like it tbh, and finally sold it last year.

It was a jack of all trades, and master of none. Was fine at resort riding, but I never felt thrilled to be on it the way I do with the Skeleton Key. Felt sluggish in deep powder (Niseko & Baldface), although maybe it would've been different on steeper terrain?

I have a 4-board quiver, so just didn't see the need for an all-arounder like the Hometown Hero.